Tag: Meniere’s Disease

The Best Stretch for Meniere’s Disease and Vestibular Migraines

Posted on February 9, 2026 by - Staff

  • Verified
12 minutes read

The Best Stretch for Meniere’s Disease and Vestibular Migraines

Will Sheppy, Founder and Acupuncturist at Valley Health Clinic
Willard Sheppy Dipl. OM, LAc, BS

Willard Sheppy is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) and Founder of Valley Health Clinic specializing in using Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat acute injuries and chronic conditions, and to improve sports performance and rehabilitation.

DR-Joshua

Table of Contents

Best Stretch for Meniere’s Disease and Vestibular Migraines

The best stretch for Ménière’s disease and Vestibular Migraines is not about forcing muscles to lengthen. It is about calming the nervous system, reducing cervical and jaw tension, and improving how the brain interprets balance signals coming from the neck and inner ear. For people living with Ménière’s disease or vestibular migraines, this distinction matters.

Why stretching helps Ménière’s disease and Vestibular Migraines.

Research increasingly shows that the cervical spine plays a critical role in balance. The upper neck contains dense proprioceptive input that feeds directly into vestibular processing centers in the brain. When these tissues are tense or inflamed, the brain receives distorted information, which can worsen dizziness and vertigo.

What support this approach?

First, cervical muscle tension and altered neck proprioception have been shown to contribute to dizziness and balance disorders. Studies on cervicogenic dizziness demonstrate that improving neck mobility and reducing muscle tension can significantly reduce dizziness intensity and frequency.
Second Many people with Ménière’s disease live in a state of chronic sympathetic overactivation, an “always-on” stress response that promotes jaw clenching, elevated shoulders, and persistent deep neck muscle tension. These patterns distort proprioceptive input to the brain and can aggravate dizziness. The best stretch for Ménière’s disease is effective because it deliberately shifts the nervous system toward a parasympathetic, calming state while simultaneously releasing tension along the integrated neck–spine–pelvis axis, rather than isolating a single muscle group

Slow breathing and relaxation-based movement directly reduce sympathetic nervous system activity. Breathing techniques that emphasize a long, unforced exhalation have been shown to increase vagal tone, lower stress-hormone output, and restore autonomic balance—an especially important factor in Ménière’s disease and vestibular migraine.

Third, contract–relax techniques, often referred to as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), have strong evidence for improving range of motion while simultaneously reducing muscle tone. Unlike forceful stretching, PNF techniques work through the nervous system, making them particularly appropriate for sensitive vestibular patients.

Tips For the Best Stretch of Meniere's and vestibular migraines.

Muscles are not rubber bands. When people “stretch harder,” they often activate protective reflexes that increase tension instead of releasing it. In Ménière’s disease and vestibular migraine, this backfires.
The goal is nervous system down-regulation. This happens through three mechanisms used together:
  • Warmth before stretching, such as a hot shower or heat pack, reduces baseline muscle tone and improves tissue compliance.
  • Slow breathing with a long exhale signals safety to the brain and reduces sympathetic overactivity.
  • Gentle contraction followed by relaxation teaches the nervous system to let go of tension, improving movement without provoking symptoms.

How To Do The Best Stretch for Ménière’s disease and Veatibular Migraines.

This stretch works because it connects the lower back, pelvis, shoulders, and neck. Releasing tension in larger, more accessible muscle groups allows the upper cervical region and jaw to relax indirectly, which is often more effective than trying to “stretch the neck” directly.
Sit on the floor or a firm surface and bring the soles of your feet together. Hold your toes, ankles, or thighs, whatever feels comfortable. Let your spine naturally fold forward without forcing it. The first step is simply to relax.
Take a slow breath in, gently contract your whole body just a little, then release with a long, sighing exhale. As you exhale, notice that your body naturally settles deeper without effort. This is the nervous system letting go.
From here, gently rock side to side. This allows you to find areas of stored tension, often in the shoulders, upper back, neck, or along the sides of the body. When you find a tight area, breathe into it, then release on the exhale. Many people feel tension travel down the spine or into the shoulders before dissipating.
This indirect release is key. When the lower back, quadratus lumborum, and thoracic spine relax, the upper neck and jaw often follow

Bai Zhu Balance

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Balance
The natural supplement designed to treat Ménière’s disease at its root—relieve vertigo, reduce fluid buildup, calm inflammation, and restore clarity.

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Detailed Explanations of the Best stretch for Meniere's and Vestibular Migraines.

The reason I like the best stretch for Ménière’s disease is that it immediately puts the body in a position of safety and relaxation. You are sitting on the ground, supported, not standing or challenging your balance. For people with Ménière’s disease or vestibular migraines, that matters. When the body feels stable, the nervous system is far more willing to let go of tension, and that alone can reduce dizziness.
This stretch is essentially a butterfly stretch, but done with a very different intention. Instead of forcing flexibility, you are able to relax, breathe, and move slowly. Because you are seated, you can gently flex the spine, hinge forward, or rock side to side. That makes it easy to “scan” the body and find different lines of tension,neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, without provoking symptoms. Rather than isolating one small muscle group, you are influencing the entire spine as a connected system.
From a Makko-ho perspective, this position is often described as a Heart–Small Intestine / Fire stretch. That is significant for Ménière’s disease. Fire patterns are frequently associated with agitation, overactivation, and difficulty settling the mind. This stretch encourages a softening of the chest, shoulders, and upper spine, which many people feel as an immediate calming effect rather than a mechanical stretch.
Another reason this stretch works so well is that it does not only address the back of the neck and spine. By bringing the soles of the feet together, you are also opening the inner legs. In East Asian medicine, the inner leg pathways are yin channels, which are closely tied to nourishing, grounding, and calming functions. When these areas are restricted, people often feel restless, wired, or unable to fully relax symptoms that commonly overlap with Ménière’s disease.
What makes this stretch especially useful is that you can easily integrate grounding techniques at the same time. While seated, you can rub the bottoms of your feet, especially the center of the sole. This area is traditionally used to anchor excess upward activity and help the body feel settled. Doing this while gently releasing the neck creates a simultaneous effect: calming excessive yang above while supporting yin below.
In practical terms, you are stretching the neck and spine, opening the inner legs, and grounding through the feet all at once. This is why the stretch feels different from most neck stretches. You are not just “loosening muscles.” You are coordinating posture, breath, sensation, and touch in a way that helps the nervous system downshift.
That combination is why this is my preferred stretch for Ménière’s disease. It allows you to relax first, explore tension safely, calm the mind through the yin channels, and ground the body through the feet—all without forcing anything. When done slowly and consistently, it supports the same goal that every Ménière’s treatment is aiming for: less reactivity, better regulation, and a more stable internal sense of balance
Here is a video of more advanced stretching techniques 

https://youtu.be/t2AzSixQYus?si=BTW5W7C6cs1OxT5l

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Will Sheppy, Founder and Acupuncturist at Valley Health Clinic
Willard Sheppy
Willard Sheppy is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) and Founder of Valley Health Clinic specializing in using Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat acute injuries and chronic conditions, and to improve sports performance and rehabilitation.

FAQ's

About Microgard
What is Microgard?
Microgard is a 16-herb formula evolved from the traditional digestive remedies Bao He Wan and Po Chai Pills, refined for functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion). It addresses multiple causes of persistent upset stomach at the same time, from poor motility to inflammation and gut-brain signaling.
Take 8–25 micro pills, 2–3 times daily, or follow your healthcare practitioner’s instructions. Because these are micro pills — much smaller than standard capsules or tablets — the dosage may sound high, but the tiny size makes them easy to swallow and adjust to your needs.
Each bottle contains 18 g of traditional micro pills. Since there are no preservatives, keep the bottle in a cool, dry place and refrigerate after opening. For best results, finish the bottle as soon as possible once opened.
If you eat a Standard American Diet, have chronic indigestion (functional dyspepsia) or other digestive symptoms, and have signs of gut dysbiosis like a thick tongue coating, Microgard is likely a good formula for you. If you are unsure about Microgard, contact a TCM professional (licensed acupuncturist) who can determine if it’s the best fit.
Yes. Microgard contains no additives or preservatives, only the 16 traditional herbs. Ingredients are sourced from authentic growing regions, verified by TCM botanical experts, and tested for purity, heavy metals, and pesticide residues at a Chinese FDA-certified lab.
Microgard is not suitable during pregnancy, or for people with Celiac Disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you are nursing or taking medications.
Many people notice reduced bloating and post-meal heaviness within 1–2 weeks. More complete resolution of functional dyspepsia symptoms develops over several months as digestive function rebalances.
Most digestive aids only target one problem acid blockers reduce acid, enzymes help with breakdown, probiotics support gut bacteria. Microgard does all three plus more: improving motility, calming inflammation, protecting the stomach lining, and regulating the gut-brain axis. That’s why it’s uniquely effective for complex conditions like functional dyspepsia.
Microgard is manufactured by Botanical Biohacking, using time-honored herbal methods combined with modern GMP-certified quality testing to ensure safety and potency.

Supporting Ménière’s disease from the inside: Bai Zhu Balance

Stretching addresses the mechanical and nervous system side of Ménière’s disease, but many people need additional internal support. In Chinese herbal medicine, Ménière’s disease is often associated with dampness, phlegm, and spleen deficiency patterns that lead to fluid dysregulation and pressure.
Bai Zhu Balance is a traditional herbal formula designed to support digestion, fluid metabolism, and nervous system stability. By strengthening the body’s ability to transform and move fluids, it complements physical strategies like stretching and breathing.
When used alongside regular relaxation-based movement, many patients report fewer flare-ups, improved baseline stability, and a greater sense of control over their symptoms.
If you are looking for a comprehensive, pattern-based approach to Ménière’s disease, consider combining the best stretch for Ménière’s disease with Bai Zhu Balance to support both the nervous system and internal balance.

How often to do it?

For most people, performing this stretch every other day for two to three weeks leads to noticeable reductions in neck tension, jaw clenching, and dizziness frequency. More is not better. Consistency and gentleness matter more than intensity.
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Treating Meniere’s Disease

Posted on January 12, 2026 by - Meniere's Disease

  • Verified
13 minutes read

Treating Meniere’s Disease

Will Sheppy, Founder and Acupuncturist at Valley Health Clinic
Willard Sheppy Dipl. OM, LAc, BS

Willard Sheppy is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) and Founder of Valley Health Clinic specializing in using Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat acute injuries and chronic conditions, and to improve sports performance and rehabilitation.

Table of Contents

By Will Sheppy, L.Ac

One of the most confusing parts of Treating Ménière’s disease is that it almost never shows up by itself. In most people, Ménière’s disease is often accompanied by other conditions that can also cause dizziness, pressure, or imbalance. When that happens, it becomes incredibly hard to tell what you’re actually feeling, what your true triggers are, and why something that helps one person doesn’t seem to help you.
Let’s go through some of these other conditions.

Ménière’s Disease Rarely Acts Along Video

Functional dyspepsia is chronic indigestion without ulcers or structural disease. In other words, your stomach isn’t working right, but tests and imaging don’t show anything obvious. Symptoms might feeling full after just a few bites, bloating that lingers for hours, nausea after eating, burning in your upper stomach, acid reflux, and that heavy sensation where food just sits.
Learning to identify and track these comorbidities can completely change how you understand progress and treatment.

Neck Pain

The neck and inner ear are neurologically intertwined. The cervical spine contains a dense network of proprioceptive receptors that constantly inform the brain about head position and movement. These signals are integrated with vestibular input from the inner ear. When the neck is inflamed, tight, or asymmetrical, the brain receives conflicting balance information, which can amplify dizziness, ear pressure, and disequilibrium. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as cervicogenic dizziness.
In people with Ménière’s disease, ear pressure and inflammation can aggravate cervical nerves, while chronic neck tension can, in turn, worsen vestibular symptoms. Over time, many patients develop asymmetrical neck pain that reinforces this feedback loop.

How it looks in the clinic

In the clinic, this most often presents as long-standing, one-sided neck tightness on the same side as ear fullness, accompanied by a sense of imbalance rather than true spinning vertigo. Patients frequently report that their dizziness worsens with head movement, posture, prolonged desk work, or stress. Neck pain can also trigger headaches, migraines, and even vestibular or migraine-associated dizziness.

Does this sound like you?

You have a lot of one sided neck pain. Neck-driven dizziness typically feels like the head is “not quite on straight,” off-center, or unstable rather than spinning. It rarely causes the intense rotational vertigo seen in Ménière’s disease. Instead, it creates a sense of disorientation or imbalance that closely tracks neck movement and muscle tension.

What Can Help

Gentle neck care often makes a meaningful difference. Techniques like neck Gua Sha, light manual therapy, and stretching can help reduce cervical tension.

Vestibular Migraines

Vestibular migraine is a neurological condition in which migraine mechanisms affect the balance centers of the brain. Rather than originating in the inner ear, symptoms arise from altered sensory processing in the central nervous system. Because dizziness and vertigo are prominent features, vestibular migraine is one of the most commonly confused conditions with Ménière’s disease, and one of its most frequent comorbidities.

How it looks in the clinic

In the clinic, vestibular migraines often present like a migraine with foggy-headedness, motion sensitivity, light and sound sensitivity, and episodic dizziness that may or may not include spinning. Attacks can come on quickly and last anywhere from seconds to days. Some patients have classic migraine headaches, while others have minimal or no head pain at all, which makes diagnosis more difficult.

Compared to Ménière’s disease, vestibular migraine symptoms tend to fluctuate more rapidly and leave patients feeling mentally “off” or visually overwhelmed rather than distinctly vertiginous.

Does this sound like you?

Your hearing is not too bad. Don’t have progressive hearing loss. Tinnitus or ear pressure may occur, but it is usually inconsistent and less pronounced. You may feel foggy-headed, visually overwhelmed, motion-sensitive, or unsteady, especially in busy environments or when moving your head. Light and sound sensitivity are common, and symptoms can come on quickly and last anywhere from minutes to days. If your dizziness feels more neurological than ear-driven, fluctuates rapidly, and leaves you feeling mentally “off” rather than spinning, vestibular migraine may be part of your picture—even if you also carry a Ménière’s diagnosis.

What Can Help

Vestibular migraines often respond best to calming inflammation and sensory overload. Ice caps and warm foot soaks can be especially helpful for reducing head pressure and migraine-related dizziness.

View Resource

Allergies, Autoimmune Activity, and Facial Inflammation

Although the research is not definitive, there is meaningful clinical and epidemiological evidence showing higher rates of allergic disease and autoimmune markers in people with Ménière’s disease. Allergies and immune activation increase mucosal swelling, sinus congestion, and facial inflammation. Because the inner ear exists within a rigid, confined space, even mild increases in inflammation or fluid pressure can significantly affect balance and auditory symptoms.

How it looks in the clinic

  • In practice, this often presents as worsening Ménière’s symptoms during allergy seasons or weather changes. Dizziness flares alongside sinus congestion, facial pressure, or immune reactions. Patients may notice ear fullness, louder tinnitus, or increased imbalance during times of heightened allergic or inflammatory activity.

Does this sound like you?

  • Your dizziness is aggravated during the summer and spring. You notice worsening ear fullness, louder tinnitus, sinus pressure, or imbalance during seasonal changes, illness, high pollen exposure, or periods of systemic inflammation. Symptoms may feel more congestive and pressure-based, and they often track with facial swelling, post-nasal drip, skin reactions, or other immune-related issues.

What Can Help

  • For immune-driven patterns, prevention matters as much as treatment. Seasonal prevention strategies such as reducing allergen exposure, supporting sinus drainage. Herbs and allergy pills can help
View Resource

Bai Zhu Balance

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Balance
The natural supplement designed to treat Ménière’s disease at its root—relieve vertigo, reduce fluid buildup, calm inflammation, and restore clarity.

Get Now

Gut Health, Inflammation, and Lymphatic Drainage

Ménière’s disease can be understood, in part, as an inflammatory condition. The gut plays a central role in regulating systemic inflammation, immune signaling, and lymphatic fluid balance. When digestion is impaired or the microbiome is disrupted, inflammatory signaling increases, lymphatic drainage slows, and fluid regulation throughout the body including the inner ear becomes less efficient.
Emerging research also suggests meaningful connections between the gut microbiome, sinus health, and ear inflammation.

How it looks in the clinic

Clinically, patients with a strong gut component often report bloating, heaviness after meals, irregular bowel movements, fatigue after eating, or food-triggered dizziness. Tongue coating changes and recurrent ear or sinus infections may also point toward microbiome imbalance. These patients frequently notice improvement in ear symptoms when dietary triggers are addressed.

Does this sound like you?

Your Ménière’s symptoms seem closely tied to digestion, food choices, or how your body feels after meals. People with gut-dominant Ménière’s disease often notice ear pressure, dizziness, or fogginess worsening after eating, especially with certain foods, large meals, or periods of poor digestion. Bloating, heaviness, fatigue after meals, irregular stools, or frequent food sensitivities are common clues.

What Can Help

Supporting digestion and the gut microbiome is foundational. Simple steps like identifying food triggers, eating regular meals, improving fiber intake, and supporting beneficial gut bacteria can lower systemic inflammation and improve fluid regulation.

View Resource

Sympathetic Nervous System Overdrive

Ménière’s disease is strongly associated with autonomic nervous system imbalance, particularly overactivation of the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) response. Chronic stress, poor sleep, and repeated vertigo episodes can keep the nervous system locked in a heightened state, disrupting blood flow regulation and vestibular stability.

How it looks in the clinic

  • This pattern presents differently from classic Ménière’s vertigo or vestibular migraine. Patients describe lightheadedness, internal shaking, increased heart rate, anxiety, or a sense of impending panic rather than spinning. Importantly, these sensations often arise because vertigo is frightening, and fear itself perpetuates the cycle.

How it looks in the clinic

  • If your dizziness feels more like lightheadedness, internal shaking, or a sense of panic rather than true spinning vertigo, sympathetic nervous system overdrive may be a major factor. People with this pattern often notice symptoms worsen during stress, poor sleep, overstimulation, or after a frightening vertigo episode. You may feel wired but exhausted, with a racing heart, shallow breathing, heightened anxiety, or a constant sense that your system can’t fully settle.

What Can Help

  • Recognizing this difference is often profoundly reassuring and helps prevent unnecessary symptom escalation. When the nervous system is stuck in “fight or flight,”l. Slow breathing practices, Loner exhales, then inhales, Nose breathing can prevent thing from getting worse. Improving sleep quality helps. Many patients also benefit from AOYI patches applied to SP-6, a point traditionally used to support calm and nurishment
View Resource

Common Causes of Dizziness

Condition

Primary Sensation

Hearing Changes

Duration

Ménière’s Disease

Spinning vertigo + ear pressure

Progressive, fluctuating

Minutes–hours 

Vestibular Migraine

Foggy, floating, motion sensitivity

Less Change

Minutes–days

Cervicogenic Dizziness

Off-balance, Disconnected

Less Change

Variable

Anxiety-related Dizziness

Light-headed, Sweating

None

Variable

Understanding these differences helps you track what is actually changing.

Key Takeaways

  • Ménière’s disease often overlaps with other conditions that also cause dizziness and vertigo
  • Tracking improvement in comorbid symptoms helps you see progress before Ménière’s attacks improve
  • Neck pain, gut health, allergies, migraines, and nervous system overactivity all influence inner ear symptoms

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Will Sheppy, Founder and Acupuncturist at Valley Health Clinic
By Will Sheppy, L.Ac
Willard Sheppy is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) and Founder of Valley Health Clinic specializing in using Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat acute injuries and chronic conditions, and to improve sports performance and rehabilitation.

FAQ's

About Microgard
What is Microgard?
Microgard is a 16-herb formula evolved from the traditional digestive remedies Bao He Wan and Po Chai Pills, refined for functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion). It addresses multiple causes of persistent upset stomach at the same time, from poor motility to inflammation and gut-brain signaling.
Take 8–25 micro pills, 2–3 times daily, or follow your healthcare practitioner’s instructions. Because these are micro pills — much smaller than standard capsules or tablets — the dosage may sound high, but the tiny size makes them easy to swallow and adjust to your needs.
Each bottle contains 18 g of traditional micro pills. Since there are no preservatives, keep the bottle in a cool, dry place and refrigerate after opening. For best results, finish the bottle as soon as possible once opened.
If you eat a Standard American Diet, have chronic indigestion (functional dyspepsia) or other digestive symptoms, and have signs of gut dysbiosis like a thick tongue coating, Microgard is likely a good formula for you. If you are unsure about Microgard, contact a TCM professional (licensed acupuncturist) who can determine if it’s the best fit.
Yes. Microgard contains no additives or preservatives, only the 16 traditional herbs. Ingredients are sourced from authentic growing regions, verified by TCM botanical experts, and tested for purity, heavy metals, and pesticide residues at a Chinese FDA-certified lab.
Microgard is not suitable during pregnancy, or for people with Celiac Disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you are nursing or taking medications.
Many people notice reduced bloating and post-meal heaviness within 1–2 weeks. More complete resolution of functional dyspepsia symptoms develops over several months as digestive function rebalances.
Most digestive aids only target one problem acid blockers reduce acid, enzymes help with breakdown, probiotics support gut bacteria. Microgard does all three plus more: improving motility, calming inflammation, protecting the stomach lining, and regulating the gut-brain axis. That’s why it’s uniquely effective for complex conditions like functional dyspepsia.
Microgard is manufactured by Botanical Biohacking, using time-honored herbal methods combined with modern GMP-certified quality testing to ensure safety and potency.

How the Comorbidities Can Help

Treating Ménière’s disease can feel hopeless if you only measure success by vertigo frequency.
But when you track:
  • Neck pain
  • Digestive symptoms
  • Allergy flares
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Migraine frequency
You often discover that healing is already happening. And when those layers improve consistently, Ménière’s symptoms often follow.
Shop Now

Bai Zhu Balance is specifically designed for Ménière's

Bai Zhu Balance was designed specifically for the underlying issues that worsen Ménière’s
  • Neck pain
  • Digestive symptoms
  • Allergy flares
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Migraine frequency
If you’re looking for a herbal formula specifically designed for Ménière’s Bai Zhu Balance is it!
Shop Now

Bai Zhu Balance is specifically designed for Ménière's

Bai Zhu Balance was designed specifically for the underlying issues that worsen Ménière’s
  • Neck pain
  • Digestive symptoms
  • Allergy flares
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Migraine frequency
If you’re looking for a herbal formula specifically designed for Ménière’s Bai Zhu Balance is it!
Shop Now

Face Massage for Eustachian Tube Relief

Posted on June 10, 2025 by - Meniere's Disease

Step by Step instructions

Face Massage For Eustachian Tubes Relief

If you’re dealing with ear pressure, blocked ears, or symptoms related to Meniere’s disease, opening the Eustachian tubes can offer real relief. A focused massage technique can help release the tension in the muscles that surround and sometimes compress these vital drainage pathways. Here’s how to do it more effectively by targeting key jaw and neck areas

Step 1

Start with Gentle Downward Massage

  • Begin by massaging along the sides of your face in a downward motion, moving toward your jaw. Use slow, firm strokes to encourage lymphatic drainage and release surface tension.

Step 2

Protrude the Jaw for Deeper Access

  • To make this technique more effective, gently push your lower jaw forward as you massage. This opens up access to deeper jaw muscles.

Step 3

Hook and Massage Beneath the Jawbone

  • Once your hands reach the jawline, hook your fingers underneath the jawbone. Gently massage the underside of the mandible. This targets the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles, which lie deep within the jaw and are closely connected to the function of the Eustachian tubes. Tightness here can obstruct proper ear drainage.

Step 4

Massage Around the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (SCM)

  • You can find it by turning your head to one side and tilting it slightly downward, the muscle that stands out and runs from just behind your ear (the mastoid bone) diagonally down to your collarbone (clavicle) and the top of your sternum
  • Start in front of the muscle, using circular motions
  • Then reach behind the SCM, closer to the base of the ear and jaw
  • This area often holds tenderness, especially around the greater auricular nerve, which transmits sensation to the ear. When you press this region, you may feel a mild referral sensation into the ear. That’s a good sign—indicating you're stimulating the right spot.

Enhance the Benefits

Daily Routine

Combine with Face Massage for more relief

Face Massage Video

Pair it with Face Massage and nasal breathing for even greater results

You’re already rubbing your face, might as well go all in and hit the rest of your face while you’re at it!

This practice is free, simple, and accessible

Why This Works

This massage targets deeper muscular and neurological connections involved in Eustachian tube function:

Jaw Muscles: Releasing the pterygoid muscles can reduce compression near the ear’s drainage pathways.

Neck Nerves: Stimulating the greater auricular nerve enhances communication between the neck and ear, promoting circulation and drainage.


Lymphatic Flow: This massage also helps clear congestion in surrounding tissues, making it easier for the Eustachian tubes to open naturally.

Willard Sheppy

If you’re struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or Meniere’s Disease, you understand how frustrating it can be when your symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed by healthcare providers, leaving you without a clear path to relief.

Willard Sheppy, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, knows exactly how you feel because he himself lives with Meniere’s Disease and has successfully managed his condition through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies.

With firsthand experience and deep expertise, Will provides personalized care aimed at addressing the underlying causes of vertigo, reducing symptoms, and restoring balance to your life.

Willard Sheppy holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine certified by the NCCAOM.

Face Massage for Meniere’s Relief

Posted on June 9, 2025 by - Meniere's Disease

What is it

Face Massage

Meniere’s disease is a complex condition that allergies, sinus infections, neck and jaw pain, and more can exacerbate. While professional treatments and lifestyle adjustments are important, incorporating simple, at-home techniques like face massage can make a noticeable difference in managing symptoms.

Face massage is a holistic method that supports blood circulation, relaxes facial muscles, calms nerves, and encourages lymphatic drainage.

Step by Step instructions

Mappping fingers to your head

Stand or sit in a comfortable position. Drop your arms by your sides and imagine how your fingers map to your head

Thumbs

Thumbs connect to the front of your face

Middle Fingers

Middle fingers align with the sides of your head

Pinkies

Pinkies correlate to the back of your skull

Round One

How to Warm Up the Face

Rub your hands together vigorously until they feel warm. This increases Qi  in your palms and prepares you to begin.

Step 1

Front Face Massage

  • Place your warm palms on the front of your face.
  • Gently rub upward and downward over your cheeks and forehead
  • You’ll likely feel tension begin to melt away especially around the eyes and temples

Step 2

Side of the Head Massage

  • Take your fingers and place some in front of your ears, some behind
  • Gently rub upward and downward over your ears
  • This area connects to many cranial nerves and acupuncture points.

Step 3

Base of the Skull Massage

  • Interlace your fingers and place your Pinkies at the base of your skull
  • Rub side to side, with thumbs rubbing Du 14 (big bone on base of the neck)
  • This can help relieve headaches and tension that contribute to dizziness.

Enhance the Benefits

Daily Routine

Combine with Eustachian Tube Release

Eustachian Tube Video

Pair it with Eustachian Tube release and nasal breathing for even greater results

You’re already rubbing your face, might as well go all in and hit the rest of your ear while you’re at it!

Round Two

Focused Stimulation

Now let’s go deeper.

Step 1

Front Face Massage

  • Use your thumbs to massage alongside your nose (great for clearing sinuses.)
  • Index fingers go above and below the lips—massage in small, steady circles.

Step 2

Side of the Head Ear Massage

  • Ear release Pull your ears gently down, out, and up. (Repeat a few times.)
  • Full ear massage Rub your ears and rub from base to tip

Step 3

Base of the Skull Massage

  • Scalp massage Run your fingers through your hair and massage your scalp.
  • Neck release Rub the back of your neck to finish. (while holding your breath)

Enhance the Benefits

Holding Your Breath

By holding your breath, you increase levels of C02 and other gasses in your blood. This is similar to what happens when you exercise. Your body will begin to open blood vessels to your hands and feet. During the breath hold, C02 level increases, making your blood more acidic. This makes it easier for Hemoglobin to release oxygen. You are also getting your spleen to contractions which releases more red and white blood cells into your system. All this primes your body to receive more oxygen when you start breathing again.

This practice is free, simple, and accessible

Tips for Success

• Listen to Your Body

If holding your breath feels uncomfortable, shorten the duration or take breaks.
• Go at Your Own Pace

Adapt the intensity and timing of the massage to suit your comfort level.
• Consistency is Key

Make this massage a daily practice to experience the full benefits over time.

Willard Sheppy

If you’re struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or Meniere’s Disease, you understand how frustrating it can be when your symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed by healthcare providers, leaving you without a clear path to relief.

Willard Sheppy, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, knows exactly how you feel because he himself lives with Meniere’s Disease and has successfully managed his condition through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies.

With firsthand experience and deep expertise, Will provides personalized care aimed at addressing the underlying causes of vertigo, reducing symptoms, and restoring balance to your life.

Willard Sheppy holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine certified by the NCCAOM.

Breathing Techniques For Meniere’s Disease

Posted on June 6, 2025 by - Meniere's Disease

Breathing techniques for Meniere’s Disease

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to manage Meniere’s disease is by focusing on your breathing. While it may seem like a small change, it is incredibly powerful because breathing is something we do constantly, every day.

What You’ll Learn in This Article

In this article, you’ll discover how simple breathing techniques can play a powerful role in managing Meniere’s disease. You’ll learn how stress and dysfunctional breathing patterns can worsen symptoms like dizziness, and how shifting to nasal, diaphragmatic breathing, with long exhales can help calm the nervous system. Drawing from both modern science and Traditional Chinese Medicine, this guide offers clear, practical strategies to help you breathe your way toward greater relief.

Understanding the Stress–Vertigo Connection

Learn how Meniere’s disease symptoms can mimic a panic attack and why calming your nervous system is crucial for symptom control.

How Breathing Affects the Nervous System

Discover the difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic breathing—and how shifting your breath can shift your state.

The Chinese Medicine View on Breathing and Rising Qi

Understand how chest breathing reflects “rising energy” in TCM, and why learning to breathe downward helps restore balance.

Why Breathing Matters for Meniere’s

Who Can Help?

If you have question or need more help.

Breathing offer an accessible and effective way to calm the nervous system

Sympathetic Nervous System in Meniere’s

Meniere’s disease can look remarkably similar to a panic attack, with sweating, pounding heart, lightheadedness, etc. Research also indicates that the sympathetic nervous system spikes during a Meniere’s attack, intensifying symptoms. Patients often describe their fear or stress can exacerbating their symptoms—a vicious cycle that can feel impossible to break.

Sympathetic Breathing

Parasympathetic Breathing

To understand how breathing affects the nervous system, imagine two scenarios

Jumping into a cold bath

Your body gasps, inhaling sharply, and you find it difficult to exhale. This is how the sympathetic nervous system breathes

  • Breathing From Your Chest
  • Breathing From Your Mouth
  • Short Rapid Inhales
Learn More

Sinking into a hot tub

You let out a long sigh and feel your body relax. This is how your parasympathetic nervous system breathes

  • Breathing From Your Belly
  • Breathing From Your Nose
  • Long Slow Exhales
Learn More

For Meniere’s, the goal is to transition from chest and mouth inhales breathing to diaphragmatic and nasal breathing exhales.

Signs You May Be Stuck in Sympathetic Breathing

  1. Chest breathing: You primarily use your upper chest muscles, causing chronic tension in your neck and shoulders.
  2. Dry mouth in the morning: Mouth breathing at night leaves your mouth dry and disrupts restful sleep.
  3. Breath-holding: You unconsciously hold your breath during stress.
  4. Nose is always stuffy: Movement of air help keep the sinus open.

A simple test

Lie on your back with one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Take a deep breath. If your chest rises first, you are likely chest breathing. If breathing from your belly feels unnatural or weird, this is also a sign.

This indicates that focusing on diaphragmatic breathing will be beneficial.

Learning to guide your breath downward can help balance this rising energy

Chinese Medicine Perspective on Breathing

In Chinese medicine, vertigo is often described as a condition of “rising energy.” The symptoms, vertigo and anxiety, are linked to an excess of upward movement in the body.

Dysfunctional breathing mirrors this. It’s easy to breathe up into your chest but difficult to breathe down into your abdomen.

Chest Breathing

Belly Breathing

Nose Breathing

Chest breathing

People who are stuck in a state of stress may notice they breathe this way, even when resting. Chronic chest breathing uses muscles in the upper chest and neck to elevate the ribs. 

  • This can ead to chronic neck-jaw tightness.
  • This can Aggravate Vestibular Migraines
  • This Can Aggravate Ear Fullness

Belly Breathing

Breathing from the diaphragm (also known as belly breathing) engages the diaphragm and allows for deeper, fuller breaths. When practiced correctly, it helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and helps calm dizziness.  

  • Prevents stress dizziness from progressing
  • Keeps Jaw, Ear, Neck Relaxed
  • Long Slow Exhales
Learn More

Nose Breathing

The sinuses and ears are intricately connected through the Eustachian tubes, which help regulate pressure and fluid in the middle ear. When sinus function is compromised, it can negatively impact the ears. Nasal breathing is particularly beneficial for Meniere’s management because:

 Breathing through the nose naturally activates the diaphragm, encouraging deeper, slower, and more efficient breaths.

The nasal passages produce nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves circulation; this is crucial for balance. Inflammation.

 The conditions created by nose breathing favor the growth of commensal bacteria, which can inhibit the growth of pathogens and modulate the immune response

If you struggle with nasal congestion, forcing yourself to breathe through your nose may feel uncomfortable at first. However, consistent practice increases nitric oxide levels, making nasal breathing easier over time.

Inhale

Quick, shallow breaths or gasping (often through the mouth) signal the body to engage the sympathetic nervous system. This is what happens when we’re startled or stressed, leading to a quick, shallow intake of air. For those with Meniere’s, the anxiety that can accompany an attack often leads to rapid, chest breathing, which can worsen symptoms like dizziness and tension.

Exhale

Slow, deep exhalations activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body relax. When we consciously extend our exhales, we can counteract the effects of the sympathetic response and promote a sense of calm. This is why you might notice yourself sighing or taking a deep breath to relieve tension, it’s your body’s natural way of soothing itself.

By making simple changes to your breathing habits, you can regain control over your body and reduce the frequency and intensity of Meniere’s symptoms.

Why Breathing Matters for Meniere’s

  1. Regulates the Nervous System Long exhales calm the SNS and activate the PNS, reducing stress and dizziness.
  2. Relaxes Muscles Diaphragmatic breathing reduces tension in the neck.
  3. Supports Inner Ear Health Nasal breathing increases nitric oxide, promoting blood flow and a healthy microbiome of the upper respiratory tract

Who Can Help

Willard Sheppy

If you’re struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or Meniere’s Disease, you understand how frustrating it can be when your symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed by healthcare providers, leaving you without a clear path to relief.

Willard Sheppy, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, knows exactly how you feel because he himself lives with Meniere’s Disease and has successfully managed his condition through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies.

With firsthand experience and deep expertise, Will provides personalized care aimed at addressing the underlying causes of vertigo, reducing symptoms, and restoring balance to your life.

Willard Sheppy holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine certified by the NCCAOM.

Is Sauna Good For Meniere’s Disease?

Posted on June 5, 2025 by - Meniere's Disease

Is Sauna Good For Meniere's Disease?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a sauna or a cold plunge is better for dizziness, the answer is, it depends. Both are powerful tools, but when it comes to conditions like Meniere’s disease and chronic dizziness, the right choice might actually be a bit of both

What you will learn.

If you’re wondering is sauna good for Meniere’s? this article breaks down the pros and cons of sauna, cold plunges, and offers a more effective approach.

The Sauna

Increases circulation and promotes detoxification, but may worsen symptoms from heat rising.

The Cold Plunge

Triggers adrenaline and reduce inflammation, but can overstimulate the nervous system.

The Hydrotherapy Solution

A safer approach is applying cold to the face and heat to the feet.

How to Do Hydrotherapy at Home

Learn how it is done.

Who Can Help?

The best solution for dizziness

Watch me explain how, and why it works.

Hydrotherapy with hot foot soaks and cold face compresses offers a more balanced therapy that combines the best of both worlds. 

Rooted in both modern science and Traditional Chinese Medicine, this technique regulates your nervous system and relieves your worst symptoms.

 

Sauna vs. Cold Plunge

Where Does the Blood Go? Before we dive into Meniere's specific recommendations, let’s understand what each practice does to the body.

The Sauna

When you enter a sauna, your blood rushes to the skin and extremities. This outward flow increases circulation, promotes sweating, and benefits both heart and brain health.

People who rarely sweat—often older adults or those with poor circulation—can find significant benefits from sauna therapy. It gently encourages detoxification and stimulates blood flow to areas that are typically cooler or more stagnant.

Read Article

Hussain, Joy, and Marc Cohen. "Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: a systematic review." Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2018.1 (2018): 1857413.

The Cold Plunge

When you submerge in cold water, your body reacts dramatically. Blood rushes inward, your sympathetic nervous system spikes, and you get a jolt of adrenaline and endorphins.

This makes cold plunges a favorite for athletes dealing with soreness, or for those navigating depression and brain fog. It can provide a sharp mental reset and reduce inflammation in the body.

Read Article

Cain, Tara, et al. "Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis." PloS one 20.1 (2025): e0317615.

The Hydrotherapy Solution

Instead of engaging the full body in temperature shocks, we focus on targeted hydrotherapy.

But What About Meniere's or Chronic Dizziness?

That’s where things get more nuanced. People with Ménière’s or chronic dizziness often exhibit a common pattern: heat above, cold below.

Symptoms such as migraines, tinnitus, and dizziness indicate a rising yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or inflammation in the head. At the same time, cold feet and hands signal stress and poor circulation.

In both Western and Chinese medicine, this “inverted circulation” can actually worsen dizziness and throw off your internal balance. That means a sauna may make head pressure worse, and a cold plunge could overstimulate your nervous system, triggering vertigo or anxiety.

Cool Head and Warm Feet

Instead of engaging the full-body in temperature shocks, we focus on targeted hydrotherapy:

  • Cold on the face and neck
  • Warm water on the feet

In a healthy state, qi and blood circulate freely, allowing excess heat to be drawn downward, where it can be dispersed through the legs and feet. At the same time, the natural coolness of the lower body rises upward, keeping the head clear and the senses sharp. This continuous dynamic—heat descending, coolness ascending—is what keeps the body’s internal climate regulated.

Why Cold on the Face Helps

Applying cold to the face activates the dive reflex, slowing your heart rate, calming your breath, and reducing sympathetic overdrive. It also vasoconstricts the blood vessels in the head, reducing inflammation and pressure in the ears and eyes.

Studies show this technique can help reduce migraines, anxiety, and even improves inner ear function.

Read Article

Hsu, Yu‐Yun, et al. "Cold intervention for relieving migraine symptoms: A systematic review and meta‐analysis." Journal of clinical nursing 32.11-12 (2023): 2455-2465.

Why Hot on the Feet Helps

Soaking the feet in hot water pulls energy downward, increases peripheral circulation, and soothes the nervous system.

It improves sleep, reduces dizziness, and helps reverse the body’s pattern of cold extremities and hot heads.

Read Article

Sujan, M. U., et al. "Influence of hydrotherapy on clinical and cardiac autonomic function in migraine patients." Journal of neurosciences in rural practice 7.1 (2016): 109.

How to Do Hydrotherapy at Home

You’ll need just a few simple supplies

  • A basin large enough for both feet (electric heated or collapsible recommended)
  • Ice packs, a migraine cold cap, or a cold cloth
  • A towel and a comfortable chair

Instructions

  1. Fill the basin with hot water (100–104°F) and soak your feet up to the ankles.
  2. Place an ice pack or cold cloth on the forehead, neck, or behind the ears.
  3. Wrap yourself in a blanket and sit quietly for 10–20 minutes, breathing slowly and deeply.
  4. Remove your feet, dry them, and relax.

Don’t use ice directly on the skin—wrap it in a cloth to avoid frostbite.

Ease your feet into hot water gradually. It’s okay to dip in and out at first.

Focus on cooling the ears and neck more than the forehead, which can trigger “brain freeze” in sensitive people.

Bai Zhu Balance

Bai Zhu Balance is one of the only supplements specifically designed to support the gut microbiome while targeting symptoms of Meniere’s disease. 

If you’ve tried everything and still struggle with flare-ups, Bai Zhu Balance offers a natural, gut-focused solution created with your inner ear health in mind

Buy Now

Who Can Help?

Willard Sheppy

If you’re struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or Meniere’s Disease, you understand how frustrating it can be when your symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed by healthcare providers, leaving you without a clear path to relief.

Willard Sheppy, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, knows exactly how you feel because he himself lives with Meniere’s Disease and has successfully managed his condition through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies.

With firsthand experience and deep expertise, Will provides personalized care aimed at addressing the underlying causes of vertigo, reducing symptoms, and restoring balance to your life.

Willard Sheppy holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine certified by the NCCAOM.

Meniere’s Disease Diet: Part Two

Posted on May 19, 2025 by - Meniere's Disease

Meniere’s Disease Diet

Dietary Strategies for Managing Meniere’s Disease

What is the Meniere’s Disease Diet?

This Article shares dietary approaches to help improve Meniere’s Disease Symptoms, Including foods to eat and avoid.

Focusing on your diet to better your gut health is a manageable, low-risk strategy that can potentially improve symptoms and overall well-being

You Will Learn

In this article, we will explore what the Meniere’s Disease Diet is and how it can help manage Meniere‘s symptoms

Should I Change My Diet If I Have Meniere’s?

Foods You Need To Avoid with Meniere's Disease Diet

Foods You Need to Eat with Meniere's Disease Diet

How You Need To Eat

Understanding Meniere's Disease Diet With Traditional Chinese Medicine

Herbs to Clear Dampness

Therapies to Clear Dampness

Supplement for Meniere's Disease

Who Can Help?

Should I Change My Diet If I Have Meniere’s?

Changing your diet doesn't help everyone. Let's take a closer look at your current digestive health. To see if changing your diet with help you.

Will Changing My Diet Be Helpful?

If you’re managing Meniere’s disease and wondering whether dietary changes could make a difference, start by looking at your current digestion. 

Ask yourself the following questions to help decide if improving your diet might help

1. Do I Have a Thick Tongue Coating?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the tongue is a mirror of your digestive health.

  • A thick tongue coat often suggests gut imbalance, poor digestion, or excess dampness.
  • If your tongue coating is unusually thick, that’s a strong sign your gut needs support and diet will be helpful.

2. Are My Bowel Movements Regular?

Regularity is a window into how well your intestines are moving things along.

  • Ideally, you should have one complete bowel movement per day.
  • If your routine constantly changes, or you skip days, it’s a sign your gut could benefit from dietary changes.

3. Are My Stools Formed?

Take note of the texture and ease of your bowel movements

  • Too hard or too soft stools indicate digestive imbalance.
  • Straining or Urgency is another sign your gut may be under stress and changing your diet can help.

4. Do I Bloating, Burping or Fart?

Gas production is natural, but too much can be a red flag

  • Frequent burping, bloating after meals, or excess farting suggest stomach bacteria are producing too much gas.
  •  Dietary adjustments may bring real relief.

If your current diet isn’t helping, try doing the opposite.

  • If you’re vegetarian, consider adding some high-quality animal protein.
  • If you follow a carnivore diet, try incorporating more vegetables.
  • If you're fasting, try eating more regularly.
  • If you're eating frequently, consider trying intermittent fasting

Foods You Need To Avoid with Meniere's Disease Diet

When you have Meniere‘s Disease, it is best to eliminate foods from your diet that can produce mucus and increase inflammation.

Food to Avoid Bread

Bread

Especially white bread, which may contribute to nasal congestion and mucus production.

Food to Avoid Sugar

Sugar

An inflammatory agent, sugar is linked to the worsening of respiratory conditions like asthma.

Food to Avoid Milk

Milk

Stimulates mucus production, and buildup in the nose and throat

Food to Avoid Fast Food

Fast Food

Often prepared with oils that promote inflammation and increase mucus.

Food to Avoid Soda

Soda

High in sugar and additives, it worsens inflammation and mucus accumulation.

Food to Avoid SAlt

Sodium

Excessive sodium encourages bodily swelling, triggering mucus secretion as a defensive response.

Foods You Need to Eat with Meniere's Disease Diet

Now that we know what to avoid with Meniere‘s Disease, here are foods that should eat.

Dr. Joshua Park Top 10 Foods That Clear Dampness

Drawn from a list by Dr. Joshua Park, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine specializing in digestive disorders like IBS, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis. 

Regularly consuming these foods can help your body support the clearance of dampness and alleviate symptoms associated with congestion and inflammation.

Top 10 Recommended Foods

  1. Asparagus
  2. Daikon Radish
  3. Watercress
  4. Mung Beans
  5. Romaine Heart
  6. Bittermelon
  7. Spinach
  8. Mushrooms (Shiitake, button)
  9. Fish (especially freshwater fish)
  10. Sauerkraut, Kimchi

You should also consume small amounts of garlic, onion, and turmeric and drink green, mint, and chrysanthemum tea.

How You Need To Eat

The following Meniere's disease diet recommendations are aimed explicitly at helping balance the fluid dynamics of the inner ear.

The inner ear contains fluid essential for hearing and balance. The volume and electrolyte levels (sodium and potassium) of this fluid remain stable regardless of the body's overall fluid balance.

However, when navigating Meniere's disease, the inner ear loses this independent regulation.

1. Consistent sodium intake

Maintaining consistent sodium intake is important. If you fluctuate in an extreme nature, it can also make symptoms worse

  • Reduce your daily sodium intake to 1500-2000 mg, which is slightly lower than the standard recommendation.
  • Sodium is not the same as table salt (sodium chloride). Monitor sodium specifically.

2. Consistent hydration

Proper hydration is vital. Even mild dehydration can affect fluid balance in your inner ear and worsen symptoms

  • Drink fluids consistently throughout the day, especially when exercising or in hot conditions.
  • Replace fluids proactively, especially when exercising or in hot condition

3. Limited caffeine and alcohol

Evidence is inconclusive, clinical experience suggests caffeine and alcohol might exacerbate symptoms by triggering migraines

  • NO Energy Drinks, but green tea is usually good. 
  • No Beer and Wine, the added sugar, sulfates, yeast are the problem.
  • Sake or potato vodka may be fine. 

4. Focus on fresh produce and whole grains

Foods high in sugar and heavily processed foods indirectly influence fluid balance.

  • Avoid processed and canned foods they typically have high sodium and sugar 
  • Cant go wrong with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Understanding Meniere's Disease Diet With Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a unique perspective on diet by focusing on how food affects the body’s internal balance. It views food not just as nourishment but as a tool for balancing the body’s internal environment.

Foods can warm or cool the body. Food can dry or moisten it.  

It can dry it out or increase its dampness. By evaluating your diet now and changing what you’re doing, you can pinpoint which foods impact your symptoms

What is Dampness?

Dampness refers to excessive fluids accumulating in areas of the body where they shouldn’t be, causing symptoms such as congestion, swelling, sluggishness, and inflammation.

Meniere's Disease is Damp Heat rising into the head

The most common pattern for individuals with Meniere’s disease is damp heat, which is characterized by inflammation, congestion, and excessive fluid in the head.

Eating foods that are cooling and drying

Using the TCM dietary approach, you can carefully choose foods to help clear this damp heat, reduce symptoms, and restore balance. This nutritional strategy is personal, but it can assist you in understanding exactly how specific foods affect your health.

Herbs to Clear Dampness

These natural herbs are used in TCM to help support digestive health and clear dampness naturally.

Poria

Fu Ling

  • promotes urination and reduces fluid retention.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium

Chen Pi

  • aids digestion and reduces mucus.

Pinelliae Rhizoma

Ban Xia

  • dries dampness, transforms phlegm, and supports digestion.

Supplement for Meniere's Disease

Bai Zhu Balance

Bai Zhu Balance contains all of these herbs in a carefully formulated blend designed to support digestive health and help clear dampness naturally. If you’re looking for a convenient way to implement these herbal strategies, Bai Zhu Balance may be a great place to start.

Buy Now

Therapies to Clear Dampness

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can find several method that are encouraged to reduce dampness. .

Celery

Promoting Urination

Certain foods have mild diuretic effects and help flush excess fluids. My personal favorite is Celery

Tibetan Herbal Foot Soaks in Foot Bath

Inducing Sweating

Sauna or exercise can release dampness through sweat. My Favorite is method is foot soaks as they don't trigger dizzy spells as easily.

Digestion

Improving Digestion

Increases the intestine's gut motility, helps the body manage bacteria, and fluid accumulation. My favorite way is by Drinking Warm Water

Don't Eat Cold Foods

Cold temperature foods slow down digestion and fluid metabolism, worsening congestion and dampness. Opting instead for warm or room-temperature foods helps promote healthy digestion and fluid balance

The Meniere’s Disease Diet

Diet helps

While research on the effectiveness of a Meniere’s disease diet continues to evolve, what remains clear is that many patients report real-world benefits from dietary changes, particularly those that support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote internal balance.

You can do it today

Whether you follow Western medical advice to manage sodium intake or embrace Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to clear dampness and heat, your diet is a powerful tool for regaining control. 

 

Be consistent

What you do most of the time is more important, then what you do some of the time.

 Small, consistent dietary changes offer significant relief over time. 

Who Can Help?

Willard Sheppy

If you’re struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or Meniere’s Disease, you understand how frustrating it can be when your symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed by healthcare providers, leaving you without a clear path to relief.

Willard Sheppy, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, knows exactly how you feel because he himself lives with Meniere’s Disease and has successfully managed his condition through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies.

With firsthand experience and deep expertise, Will provides personalized care aimed at addressing the underlying causes of vertigo, reducing symptoms, and restoring balance to your life.

Willard Sheppy holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine certified by the NCCAOM.

Meniere’s Disease Diet: Part One

Posted on May 13, 2025 by - Meniere's Disease

Meniere’s Disease Diet

The Link Between Diet and Symptoms

Does Meniere’s Disease Diet Acually Help? Meniere‘s Disease is a complex condition that affects everyday life. In search of relief from these symptoms, patients with Meniere‘s often turn to over-the-counter medication or solutions in Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, what we put into our body can also impact how we feel every day. 

You Will Learn

In this article, we will explore whether changes in Meniere’s Disease Diet can help manage Meniere‘s symptoms

How Meniere’s Disease Diet Does Not Help

How Meniere’s Disease Diet Does Help

How Gut Health Is Connected to The Ear

How Gut Health Is Connected to Meniere’s Disease

What Supplement Can Help?

Who Can Help?

Can Diet Really Help with Meniere’s Disease?

Meniere’s Disease Diet offers a proactive, low-risk way to support your health, even as scientific studies present mixed findings on its effectiveness. From Western recommendations like Hydrops Diet to Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches that focus on balancing internal heat, dampness, and digestive health, let us explores how dietary changes may influence Meniere’s symptoms, especially through the often overlooked connection between the gut and inner ear.

How Meniere’s Disease Diet Does Not Help

When it comes to navigating Meniere‘s Disease, the science is still emerging.

There is a lack of high-quality studies confirming that restricting salt, caffeine, or alcohol significantly helps people with Meniere’s disease. 

A systematic review conducted by Cochrane examined the benefits of lifestyle and dietary interventions, including the “low sodium diet for vertigo” in managing Meniere’s disease.

The review concluded that there is insufficient high-quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of these dietary changes in managing MD symptoms. The authors emphasized the need for well-designed randomized controlled trials to establish clear recommendations for lifestyle and dietary modifications in MD treatment.

Read Article

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition assessed the relationship between dietary factors—specifically salt, alcohol, and coffee intake—and Meniere’s disease. The study found no significant evidence that restricting these dietary components has a beneficial effect on MD. The findings suggested that, actually, common recommended dietary restrictions may not have any causal impact on the development or progression of Meniere‘s disease, putting us back at square one

Read Article

Both of the studies above highlight the current uncertainty regarding the role of lifestyle and dietary interventions in managing Meniere’s disease and underscore the necessity for further research to inform clinical guidelines

But the truth is, even if the evidence isn’t definitive, if making dietary changes helps you feel better, then it’s absolutely worth trying. Utilizing diet to support Meniere’s disease is one of the few affordable, low-risk strategies that you can control, especially when so much about the condition can feel unpredictable and overwhelming.

If your digestion is strong and regular, this may not be a major area of concern. But if you’re experiencing digestive issues, changing your diet can be a simple, accessible step that can make a real difference by improving your gut health and strengthening your entire system.

The Connection Between Diet and Meniere‘s Disease

Recent studies highlight a significant relationship between gut health and Meniere's disease. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, may contribute to the severity of symptoms. And because of this connection, treatment for Meniere’s disease can include diet changes, which can then affect gut microbiome in a positive way.

How Meniere’s Disease Diet Does Help

Recent studies highlight a significant relationship between gut health and Meniere’s disease. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, may contribute to the severity of symptoms. And because of this connection, treatment for Meniere’s disease can include daily lifestyle guidance, which can then affect digestion in a positive way

The Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is a complex, bidirectional communication pathway involving neurological, hormonal, and immune signals between the gut and brain. Disruptions in this communication can lead to inflammation, metabolic changes, and neurological symptoms, as well as various conditions including migraines, allergies, anxiety, depression, all relevant to MD.

Research indicates that dysbiosis can exacerbate inflammation and metabolic imbalances, potentially contributing to neurological symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, and migraines.

How Gut Health Is Connected to The Ear

If you’re dealing with ongoing sinus pressure, ear congestion, or symptoms of Meniere’s disease, don’t overlook your gut. The connection between your digestive system, sinuses, and ears is real—and powerful.

Inflammation Pathways

When your gut is inflamed, it can send inflammatory signals through the bloodstream. This affects sensitive areas like the blood-labyrinth barrier in your inner ear—similar to the blood-brain barrier. Once that barrier is compromised, you become more vulnerable to ear infections and even hearing loss.

Vagus Nerve Signaling

The vagus nerve is a powerful communication channel that runs between your gut and your brain—and it also connects to your ears. When your gut is healthy, it produces compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that reduce oxidative stress and calm inflammation in the auditory system. This may help with conditions like vertigo or Meniere’s disease.

Microbiome Overlap

Research shows that the same microbial imbalances in the gut can influence the bacteria in your middle ear. This is why children and adults with recurring ear infections often have underlying gut health issues. Interestingly, taking probiotics along with antibiotics has been shown to improve outcomes for middle ear infections.

How the Sinus and Ear Are Connected

You may have noticed that when you have a sinus infection, your ears feel blocked or your hearing gets fuzzy. That’s because your sinuses and ears are directly connected through a small passage called the Eustachian tube

Ear Infections and Gut Health

Gut dysbiosis can also contribute to recurring ear infections and swimmer’s ear by weakening immune defenses, making ears more prone to infection.

Probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can help block pathogens and protect ear health.

Read Article

How Gut Health Is Connected to Meniere’s Disease

If you’re dealing with ongoing sinus pressure, ear congestion, or symptoms of Meniere’s disease, don’t overlook your gut. The connection between your digestive system, sinuses, and ears is real and powerful.

Gut Dysbiosis and Meniere’s Progression

  • A small study found that the longer someone had Meniere’s disease, the more disrupted their gut microbiome became.
  • In all the patients studied, a beneficial gut bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila was completely absent.
  • The progression of gut imbalances can also worsen with stress, which often triggers Meniere’s symptoms —similar to patterns seen in depression and IBS
Read study

Leaky Gut and Inflammation in Meniere’s Disease

  • Patients with active symptoms were found to have increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”). 
  • This allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing inflammation and worsening symptoms
Read study

Gut Health, Vertigo, and Mental Health

  •  Animal studies show that balance issues (like vertigo) are linked to gut bacteria changes and increased anxiety.
  • Bacteria such as Bifidobacterium are known to affect metabolism, possibly influencing vertigo indirectly.
  • After a closer look, findings discovered specific bacterial strains and metabolites were directly associated with anxiety-related behavior.
Read study

Links to Neurological Conditions

  • Imbalances in the gut microbiome are also associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and multiple sclerosis.
  • And in contrast, healthy gut bacteria support brain function, immune regulation, and inflammation control—factors likely relevant to Meniere’s disease.
Read Article

Dietary Dilemma

While there is ongoing debate regarding the role of The Meniere's Disease Diet in managing symptoms, it is a low risk strategy that can help!

In our next blog, Dietary Strategies for Managing Meniere’s Disease Symptoms, we are going to take a closer look at the relationship between gut health and Meniere‘s Disease, as well as Dietary Therapy Recommendations to help the management of Meniere‘s. real—and powerful.

Read Part Two

Bai Zhu Balance

Bai Zhu Balance is one of the only supplements specifically designed to support the gut microbiome while targeting symptoms of Meniere’s disease. 

If you’ve tried everything and still struggle with flare-ups, Bai Zhu Balance offers a natural, gut-focused solution created with your inner ear health in mind

Buy Now

Who Can Help?

Willard Sheppy

If you’re struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or Meniere’s Disease, you understand how frustrating it can be when your symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed by healthcare providers, leaving you without a clear path to relief.

Willard Sheppy, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, knows exactly how you feel because he himself lives with Meniere’s Disease and has successfully managed his condition through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies.

With firsthand experience and deep expertise, Will provides personalized care aimed at addressing the underlying causes of vertigo, reducing symptoms, and restoring balance to your life.

Willard Sheppy holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine certified by the NCCAOM.

The Best Medicine For Meniere’s Disease

Posted on April 29, 2025 by - Meniere's Disease

Back Bai Zhu Balance Bottle with Pills close up

The Best Medicine for Meniere's Disease

Bai Zhu Balance

The best medicine for Meniere’s disease is the one specifically made to treat it. A lot of other formulas generally address vertigo and dizziness but don’t treat the problem that makes Meniere’s so frustrating and unique

Buy Now

What You’ll Learn in This Article

You’ll learn how Dampness, Heat, and Stagnation contribute to your Meniere’s Disease, and how specific herbs in Bai Zhu Balance work together to support your health. 

Meniere’s Disease Causes

Meniere's disease is more than just ear problems. Learn how Dampness (fluid), Heat (inflammation), and Stagnation (muslces tension) aggravate symptoms.

Natural Diuretics

Bai Zhu Balance uses gentle herbal diuretics to clear excess fluid from the inner ear. It also supports healthy blood pressure without the harsh side effects of pharmaceuticals

Calming the Nervous System And Reducing Stress

Stress can trigger or worsen Ménière’s attacks. Bai Zhu Balance helps calm your mind, ease anxiety, and reduce nervous system overactivity

FAQ About Bai Zhu Balance

Find answers about Bai Zhu Balance's ingredients, recommended dosage, safety guidelines, and what makes this formula uniquely effective

Bai Zhu Balance

the best medicine for Meniere’s disease is the one specifically made to treat it

If you‘re suffering, don‘t just look for any new treatment for Meniere’s disease… the solution instead can be found in the most ancient of herbs! Bai Zhu, a Chinese herb also known as Atractylodes macrocephala, uses centuries old wisdom and modern research to help address imbalances with Dampness, Heat, and Stagnation in the body that often comes with Meniere‘s Disease. Each herb in the formula plays a specific role in restoring balance, decreasing symptoms, and the frequency of Menieres attacks.

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What is the best medicine for Meniere's disease?

The best medicine for Meniere’s disease is the one specifically made to treat it

Bai Zhu Balance

Just like with any pain or sickness, treating something at its source is going to be a lot more effective than treating just the symptoms. So, logically, the best medicine for Meniere’s disease is the one specifically made to treat it. 

Bai Zhu Balance is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula specifically tailored for managing Meniere’s disease, this herb acts as a natural diuretic and addresses the causes of Meniere‘s Disease‘s worst symptoms.

Why?

A lot of other formulas available will typically address only Meniere’s symptoms, like vertigo and dizziness, but don’t treat the problem that makes Meniere’s so frustrating and unique

What is it?

Bai Zhu Balance is a mixture of herbs in a powerful Chinese formula that can help you find symptom relief and restore the overall balance in your body.

How?

Let‘s break down Meniere‘s causes and then how the role of each herb will help you fight it at its source!

Meniere’s Disease Causes

To truly explain Meniere‘s disease, let‘s take a closer look at the root of the illness, and what causes its attacks. Once we understand that imbalance, we can work hard on correcting it!

When there is an imbalance of Dampness, Heat, and Stagnation in your body, there is no flow of movement, energy, and even blood,  disrupting so many core body functions! This unevenness causes Meniere‘s, and when left untreated or left to its own devices, it also makes symptoms worse. When there is no flow, when the body‘s temperatures are too hot, and when digestion is interrupted, this will break patterns of the body’s natural ability to decrease the severity and frequency of Meniere‘s attacks. 

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Addressing Dampness

Clearing and Draining Excess Fluid

Dampness refers to the fluid buildup in the body. In Meniere‘s disease, this often presents as fluid accumulation in the ear, causing fullness and vertigo. By improving digestion, and the overall movement of your body‘s lymphatic system, this formula helps to reduce symptoms.

Combatting Dampness

Natural Remedying Herbs

The Bai Zhu Balance herbal formula is specifically designed to help people with Meniere‘s disease, here are the active herbal ingredients in it to help combat Dampness

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Ban Xia

Rhizoma Pinelliae

  • Helps target phlegm and fluid congestion in the upper body, such as in the ears, head, or chest.

Chen Pi

Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae

  • Helps digestion by reducing bloating and mucus

Bai Zhu

Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae

  • Prevents Dampness from forming in the first place

Natural Diuretics

Natural diuretics that can help with Meniere‘s Disease

Diuretics are commonly prescribed for Meniere’s disease to reduce inner ear fluid buildup. Natural herbal diuretics offer a powerful and gentle alternative to most common Western medicines.

Fu Ling

Poria

  • A gentle diuretic herb that helps drain Dampness and calms the mind.

Ze Xie

Rhizoma Alismatis

  • A powerful diuretic that enhances urination, promoting the removal of excess fluids from the body and reduces ear fluid buildup and high blood pressure
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Yi Yi Ren

Semen Coicis

  • A gentle diuretic that helps support digestion, which often gets disrupted with Meniere‘s.

Addressing Heat

Reducing Inflammation and Excessive Vasodilation

Heat is often related to inflammation, but you also may be suffering from it if you‘re feeling flushed or overheated. Heat can often be found in patients with autoimmune conditions with chronic inflammation. 

Wind is another important concept. In TCM, Wind describes sudden or unpredictable movement in the body. It’s called Wind because, just like real wind outside, it moves quickly and can change direction without warning. In your body, Wind can cause symptoms that come and go or move around.

Combatting Heat and Wind

Natural Remedying Herbs

To help calm these symptoms, we use specific herbs that clear Heat (reduce inflammation) and extinguish Wind (settle sudden movement), working to restore balance and stability. Addressing both the Heat and Wind patterns together gives a stronger, more lasting approach to managing Ménière’s disease

Tian Ma

Rhizoma Gastrodiae

  • Calms the liver and settles Wind, directly addressing vertigo and helps prevent dizziness.

Herbs That Help Inflamation and Dizziness

Ju Hua

Flos Chrysanthemi

  • A cooling herb that reduces inflammation, clears Heat, and provides gentle relief for the eyes and head

Addressing Stagnation

Restoring Movement and Decreasing Pain

Stagnation refers to restricted movement within the body. Neck pain, migraines, jaw tension, and pressure in the head are all common signs of Stagnation, and these issues can aggravate vertigo, ear fullness, and dizziness. When there is pain or tightness in the neck and head, it can irritate the nerves and blood flow connected to the ear, making Ménière’s symptoms more frequent and intense

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Combatting Stagnation

Natural Remedying Herbs

These three herbs help break the cycle of muscle tension, poor circulation, that can aggravate Ménière’s symptoms. By improving blood flow and relaxing muscles in the neck

Ge Gen

Radix Puerariae

  • Helps ease tension and improve circulation. Known for relaxing muscles in the head and neck

Chuan Xiong

Ligusticum Striatum

  • Invigorates blood flow in the upper body, relieving pressure and supporting the free movement of Qi and blood

Bai Shao

Radix Paeoniae Alba

  • Works with Chuan Xiong to ease muscular tension and relieve discomfort, particularly in the neck and head area

Calming the Nervous System

Decreasing Stress

Elevated sympathetic nervous system the “fight or flight” response is closely tied to Ménière’s attacks.

For many people, panic attacks and dizziness team up, creating a vicious cycle. The dizziness makes you feel panicked, and the panic makes the dizziness even worse. 

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Combatting Stress

Natural Remedying Herbs

These three herbs support a relaxed, calm mind, helping to prevent the nervous system from becoming overactive and exacerbating symptoms.

Shi Chang Pu

Rhizoma Acori

  • Opens the orifices and clears the head

Yuan Zhi

Radix Polygalae

  • Helps keep you less susceptible to anxiety and stress. Known for its calming effects on the mind.

Ling Zhi

Ganoderma Lucidum

  • Strengthens the body to become more resilient under stress

Ready to take control of your balance?

Bai Zhu Balance

Watch our video on Bai Zhu Balance and discover how this natural formula can help you manage Ménière’s symptoms and support a steadier, healthier life!

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Frequently Ask Questions

Learn more about Bai Zhu Balance

In this FAQ, you’ll find answers about Bai Zhu Balance’s ingredients, recommended dosage, safety guidelines, and what makes this formula uniquely effective

Questions About Bai Zhu Balance

Serving Size: 2 Capsules = 1 gram

Servings Per Container: 50

Total grams: 50g

Dosage Type: Granular, Capsules

Granules of Herbs in Each Bottle 

  • Bai Shao (White Peony Root) – 3.00g
  • Bai Zhu (Atractylodes – White) – 8.88g
  • Chen Pi (Citrus Peel) – 3.38g
  • Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) – 3.50g
  • Fu Ling (Poria/Hoelen) – 1.00g
  • Gan Cao (Licorice) – 0.88g
  • Ge Gen (Pueraria) – 4.00g
  • Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia) – 2.88g
  • Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) – 3.00g
  • Ling Zhi (Hei) (Ganoderma) – 1.12g
  • Shi Chang Pu (Acorus) – 3.75g
  • Tian Ma (Gastrodia) – 2.50g
  • Yi Yi Ren (Coix) – 1.50g
  • Yuan Zhi (Polygala) – 2.62g
  • Ze Xie (Alisma) – 8.00g

Total weight: 50g

Other Ingredients

  • Gelatin Capsules
  • Microcrystalline Cellulose
  • Non-GMO Corn Starch

Directions

Take 2 capsules 3 times daily after meals with a glass of warm water or follow your healthcare practitioner’s instructions.

Caution 

Consult with your healthcare practitioner if you are nursing, pregnant or taking medications. Keep out of reach of children. Tamper-resistant: do not use if the safety seal is missing or broken.

It is not ment to cure or treat Meniere’s disease 

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Storage

Keep tightly closed in a cool dry place.

Laboratory tested for microbiological contaminants, heavy metals, & pesticide residues.

Formulated to deliver more active ingredients.

Does not contain: dyes, sugars

Compounded by Sun Ten Laboratories (GMP Certified)

9250 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA, 92618

Phone: (800) 333-4372

Email: order@sunten.com

Website: https://sunten.com

Manufactured in a certified GMP factory.

If you’re ready to experience targeted support for dizziness, vertigo, and fluid imbalance, now is the perfect time to start

Order Bai Zhu Balance today and take the first step toward feeling  in control again.

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What You Need To Know About Treating Meniere’s Disease

Posted on March 21, 2025 by - Meniere's Disease, Staff

Person Ear with Meniere's Disease

What You Need To Know About Treating Meniere's Disease

What is Meniere’s disease and how is it treated?

Learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches Meniere’s Disease. Explore how imbalances like Dampness, Heat, and Stagnation can contribute to your symptoms and how specific lifestyle changes and TCM treatments may offer relief. This will help you better understand your treatment’s rationale and how to better help yourself.

About Us
Three Types of Meniere's Disease
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What you will learn about Meniere's Disease

How imbalances like Dampness, Heat, and Stagnation contribute to symptoms. How common comorbidities can aggravate your symptoms.  How Traditional-based treatments such as herbs, acupuncture, diet, movement, and hydrotherapy help symptoms.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understanding Meniere's Disease

The Role of Comorbidities

The Role of Sympathetic Nervous System

The Best Treatments for Meniere's Disease

Who Can Help

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understands Meniere's Disease

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meniere's Disease is categorized as a patterns involving Dampness, Heat, and Stagnation in the upper body. Addressing these patterns can provide effective symptom relief and improved quality of life.

Dampness

Improper fluid movement in the body—whether there’s too much, or it’s not where it should be. 

Dampness reflects the improper movement or accumulation of fluids in the body. In Meniere’s Disease, Dampness often appears as a buildup of fluid in the ear, leading to symptoms like ear fullness and vertigo. However, Dampness can also present in other ways, such as excessive mucus in the nose, watery eyes, swelling (edema), and biofilm buildup where bacteria and viruses can hide and thrive. Other signs of Dampness might include watery stool, and a feeling of heaviness in the body. Dampness is often produced from poor digestion, diet plays a crucial role in managing Meniere’s Disease.

Heat

Inflammation and Vasodilation


Heat in the body corresponds to inflammation and excessive vasodilation, similar to the feeling of being flushed or overheated. This pattern can be especially pronounced in people with autoimmune conditions, where chronic inflammation often creates symptoms like redness, itching, and general discomfort. An overactive histamine response is also a sign of Heat in the body. Medicines that control histamine receptors, such as H1 (used for allergy management) and H3 (for brain inflammation), like betahistine, are commonly prescribed for managing these inflammatory symptoms in Ménière’s disease. Heat may be triggered by allergies, viral attacks, or autoimmune responses, each intensifying inflammation and worsening Meniere’s symptoms.

Stagnation

Lack of Movement. Things are stuck and painful.

Stagnation describes areas of the body where movement is restricted, often resulting in pain, tension, or pressure. Common examples include neck pain, jaw tension, and migraines—all of which are frequently associated with Meniere’s Disease. Stagnation impedes the free movement of  blood and gasses inthe body leading to pressure and pain. This is why some people find relief with therapies that promote movement, such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. These methods work to release areas of Stagnation, restoring movement and relieving pressure, which can help alleviate the symptoms of Meniere’s.

Patterns

They help us understand what is going on and what might make things better

Understanding patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine gives us a powerful framework for treating Meniere’s Disease—not just as an isolated condition, but as part of a larger picture of health.

Meniere’s Disease typically involves a pattern of Dampness, reflected by excessive fluid buildup in the inner ear. This Dampness often arises from underlying Heat, representing inflammation or autoimmune activity within the body. The condition is further aggravated by Stagnation, particularly tension or pain in the neck area, which irritates nerves and disrupts normal blood flow and energy circulation. 

The patterns of Dampness, Heat, and Stagnation also align with common comorbidities such as digestive issues, allergies, and chronic headaches. This means that as we treat the patterns causing these comorbidities, we’re also supporting the body in reducing the frequency and severity of Meniere’s symptoms. In other words, when we treat the whole person, we help the ear heal too.

The Role of Comorbidities

Comorbidities play a significant role in how Meniere's Disease manifests, progresses and how we can treat it. By focusing on these related Conditions such as autoimmune disorders, migraines, and chronic stress, we can can decrease Heat, Dampness, and Stagnation in the body.

Gut Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the gut microbiota, may be a contributing factor in the development and progression of Meniere’s Disease.

Dampness

Addressing the body’s digestive health and fluid machanics can improve Meniere’s outcomes

  • Significant negative correlation between disease duration and microbial diversity, indicating dysbiosis. 
  • Gut microbiota becomes increasingly imbalanced as the disease progresses.
  • Some patients with Ménière’s disease experience gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or constipation during exacerbations, even without pre-existing bowel conditions.
Read Article

Immune Disorders

Autoimmune have a higher prevalence among Meniere’s patients, and these inflammatory responses can intensify symptoms

Heat

Controlling heat and  inflammation  in the body can help manage overactive immune system and improve Meniere’s

  • Roughly one-third of MD cases involve autoimmune components. Commonly associated autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and thyroiditis. Several theories, including cross-reaction and genetic predisposition, explain the autoimmune link.

  • Allergic reactions are recognized as potential MD triggers, with patients showing symptom improvement after allergy-specific therapies.

  •  Viruses such as cytomegalovirus may also be involved, supported by the presence of viral structures in affected tissues and symptom improvement after antiviral treatments.
Read Article

Neck Pain and Migraines

Symptoms include migraines, neck pain, and jaw tension, which frequently coexist with Meniere’s Disease

Stagnation

Effective treatment of neck pain vestibular migraine can help reduce frequency and severity of Meniere’s episodes

  • Neck pain can trigger or worsen symptoms in Ménière’s disease due to restricted blood flow and nerve irritation from cervical spine issues.

  • Migraines share overlapping mechanisms with Ménière’s disease.

    -Cervical vertigo arises from dysfunction in the neck (cervical spine), causing dizziness and balance issues.

  • Vestibular migraine is characterized by vertigo and dizziness linked directly to migraine episodes.

Read Article

The Role of Sympathetic Nervous System

Understanding stress is crucial in reducing Meniere's episodes

Chronic illnesses frequently involve an overactive sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the body’s “fight-or-flight” response.

Meniere’s disease is no exception. Research shows that just before a dizzy spell, there is typically a spike in sympathetic nervous system activity.

Both physical and emotional stress can further activate the sympathetic nervous system, making Ménière’s symptoms even more severe.

Read Article

The Best Treatments for Meniere's Disease

Comprehensive treatment plan for Meniers, designed to clear Heat, Dampness, and Stagnation

This protocol uses dietary changes, herbal supplements, and intermittent fasting to reduce Dampness, controlling excess fluid buildup in the ear and improving digestive health.

It incorporates antihistamines and hydrotherapy to manage inflammation Heat, calming autoimmune responses and allergic reactions that worsen symptoms.

To address Stagnation, treatments like acupuncture, self-massage, and gentle stretching are included to improve circulation, relieve neck tension, and alleviate pain.

Finally, breathing exercises and calming patches help balance an Overactive sympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting overall relaxation, essential for long-term relief from Meniere’s episodes.

Back Bai Zhu Balance Bottle with Pills

Bai Zhu Balance

The Bai Zhu Balance herbal formula is specifically designed to help people with Meniere's disease.

Pills

5 Drugs To Treat Meniere's Disease And Natural Alternatives

Learn about what drug options are used to treat meniere's disease.

face massage

Self-Help Therapies for Meniere's Disease

Learn about effective self-help strategies for managing Meniere's disease.

Meniere's Disease Diet

Meniere's Disease Diet: Part One

Is there a link between diet and Meniere's attacks? Learn what is true and what is not.

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Meniere's Disease Diet: Part Two

Learn about what foods to eat, what to avoid and how to eat it.

Hydrotherapy

Saunas vs. Cold Plunges What's Best for Ménière's?

If you've ever wondered whether a sauna or a cold plunge is better for your dizziness

Nose Breathing

Breathing Techniques For Meniere’s Disease

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to manage Meniere’s disease is by focusing on your breathing.

Face Massage

Face Massage for Meniere’s Relief

Discover the benefits of Face massage. Learn how face massage can help relieve Meniere’s disease symptoms.

Ear Massage

Face Massage for Eustachian Tube Relief

Instructions Eustachian Tube Massage. If you’re dealing with ear pressure, blocked ears, or symptoms related to Meniere’s disease.

EAr Muscles

Acupressure Support

Learn targeted pressure points and self massage to help remove stagnation and help manage symptoms

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Breathing & Movement

Gentle Qigong and stretching routines to enhance circulation and calm the nervous system

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AOYI Patches

Learn how to use Patches to calm the nervous systme and ground the body to help prevent dizzyness.

Who Can Help?

Willard Sheppy

If you’re struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or Meniere’s Disease, you understand how frustrating it can be when your symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed by healthcare providers, leaving you without a clear path to relief.

Willard Sheppy, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, knows exactly how you feel because he himself lives with Meniere’s Disease and has successfully managed his condition through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies.

With firsthand experience and deep expertise, Will provides personalized care aimed at addressing the underlying causes of vertigo, reducing symptoms, and restoring balance to your life.

Willard Sheppy holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine certified by the NCCAOM.